Message from the Focal Commissioner It is such a pleasure for the Commission, as Gender Ombud, to present this collection - rainbow stories on the impact of the pandemic on the LGBTQI community. This collection highlights not only stories of stigma and discrimination, they also include stories of resilience and solidarity of the LGBTQI community. As a collection, it is aptly titled “Kwentong Krisis at Bahaghari: Stigma and Resilience of LGBTQI During the Pandemic and the New Normal.” As a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) and as Gender Ombud, the Commission is fully committed towards advocating for the full protection and respect for the human rights of LGBTQI persons. We have consistently supported the passage of Anti-Discrimination legislations including the SOGIE Equality Bill. From our experience in working alongside CSOs and fellow advocates in pushing for the passage of the bill, legislators have always asked for data and research to justify the passage of the law. They always asked the Commission either for reports or cases investigated or provided legal assistance. Knowing this, and further knowing that LGBTQI individuals are among those who are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic - the Commission has undertaken this effort of documenting the impact of the pandemic on the community. This collection, submitted and shared by members of the LGBTQI individuals and LGBTQI organization provides accounts from the ground. They render visible the impact of the pandemic - one narrative at a time- and also highlight stories of courage, of solidarity and of resilience. Surely, they will support our advocacy for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill, and more importantly, they